Eugene Sungbo Kim

Growing Old Sunday Eugene Sungbo Kim

The year is 2580. The Earth nears absolute depletion of all natural resources leaving many to starvation. The fusion reactors are humanity's last hope. They will not only give clean, ever-lasting supply of energy but also jobs and decent means of living. The ever-growing human population is forced to live in massive skyscrapers called colonies. They extend far above the stratosphere and into the shores of outer space. Space liners and trains on magnetic rails are the only things connecting these colonies at these vast altitudes. Jimmy, a sarcastic and carefree teenager, lives in New Harmony. He has lived all of his life in the business sector of New Harmony; nearly 20,000 feet above sea level. He has never seen the Earth below. Nearly 10 million people condensed into each of these enormous colonies. Most of the civilians are unemployed because of the harsh economy. New Harmony is filled with drug addicts, unemployed dropouts, and crime lords looking to make a quick buck. Kids are easily swept up and put to work as drug dealers. Jimmy yearns for connection but finds that most people around leaves him with an aching loneliness that's existed ever since his father walked out on him and his mom when he was very young. A terrorist group, known as the New Order Syndicate or N. O. S, emerges from the ground level. They plan to destroy the fusion reactors and dismantle all of the progress the citizens have made for a better living. Jimmy discovers their plans and begins a journey to stop them. He comes into contact with an N. O. S member and learns about their real motives. He questions his own compassion for the people around him. He is reminded of the love he has for a classmate and decides whether or not he desires to save anyone but himself.